Leaking information was act of treason

A recent column extolls the courage of Bradley Manning, a disgruntled Army private charged with aiding the enemies of this country by leaking classified information to the public.

Courage is normally defined without respect to morality or the inherent goodness of the actions performed, merely the mental perseverance to confront fear, danger, pain, while continuing to act in accordance with one's beliefs.

I have even heard comments describing as courageous World War II Japanese kamikaze pilots, who scattered fire and death through the ranks of brave soldiers and sailors and similarly, terrorists who flew planes into the World Trade Center.

So, given that definition, I suppose Manning is either courageous or a total fool or both.

While not expressly stated, I believe the writer is also trying to assign some heroic characteristics to Pvt. Manning. And there, we must disagree. We get to pick our heroes. I have friends who tacked pictures of Jane Fonda and Che Guevara on their walls.

Castro and Mao are heroes to millions of deluded children. Many of my generation are still obsessed with Watergate and perceived injustices in Southeast Asia.

But Army privates do not have the right to abuse the responsibilities of their positions and endanger the policies of this country and the lives of the real heroes who are trying, with little recognition, to enforce those policies around the globe.

Those are acts of treason and should be recognized and punished as such.

I think I will pick my heroes from another roster.

Logan Dysart

Lafayette

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Leaking information was act of treason

A recent column extolls the courage of Bradley Manning, a disgruntled Army private charged with aiding the enemies of this country by leaking classified information to the public.Courage is normally